Monthly Archives: August 2015

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Maureen Krauss, the Detroit Regional Chamber’s Vice President of Economic Development – Business Attraction, was on Michigan Business Beat with Chris Holman to share why a regional focus is critical to economic development in metro Detroit. Speaking from the Michigan Economic Developers Association’s Annual Meeting, Krauss makes the case for capitalizing on shared assets to attract greater global investment.

DETROIT, Mich. – Butzel Long immigration law attorney Reginald A. Pacis was among a group of leading experts who were invited to testify during a Michigan Law Revision Commission Meeting on August 26, 2015 in Lansing. The focus of the Meeting was to discuss the impact of immigration issues on the State of Michigan’s Drivers license issuing practices and access to driver’s licenses or state identification in Michigan for applicants authorized to stay in the U.S. Participants were invited to provide analysis and offer key insight to the Commission on this matter.

Pacis was named Immigration Lawyer of the Year 2013 in the field of Immigration Law by The Best Lawyers in America and has been listed in Best Lawyers for several years. He is a member of the American Bar Association, the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), and the Samahang Pilipino Ng Oakland Filipino organization. He served two consecutive one-year terms from 2003 to 2005 as Chairperson of the Michigan Chapter of AILA and was a member of the AILA National Board of Governors for those terms. Pacis previously served as Secretary (2001 to 2003) and Membership Chairperson of the Michigan Chapter of AILA (1998 to 2003).

He has been a speaker on immigration topics at many business, Hispanic, and Filipino presentations. Pacis has served in a variety of committees in the Filipino community and is a member of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce of Michigan. He completed an appointment by former Governor Granholm for service on the Advisory Committee for Asian Pacific American Affairs (ACAPAA). He served on the Michigan AILA Advocacy Committee from 2007 to 2010.

Butzel Attorney Reginald Pacis previously served as Chairperson of the Michigan AILA Committee responsible for liaison with the Michigan Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Agency, a division of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security presiding over inspections and security of the U.S. border, from 2005 to 2007.

His service expanded to the AILA National CBP liaison Committee as a member and Vice Chair and Chair. He presently serves on the AILA United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) National Benefits Center Liaison Committee.

Butzel Long is one of the leading law firms in Michigan and the United States. It was founded in Detroit in 1854 and has provided trusted client service for more than 160 years. Butzel’s full-service law offices are located in Detroit, Bloomfield Hills, Lansing and Ann Arbor, Mich.; New York, NY; and, Washington, D.C., as well as alliance offices in Beijing, Shanghai, Mexico City and Monterrey. It is an active member of Lex Mundi, a global association of 160 independent law firms. Learn more by visiting www.butzel.com or follow Butzel Long on Twitter: https://twitter.com/butzel_long

Mr. Pappas is Chairman of Dickinson Wright and is a Member in the firm’s Troy office. He focuses his practice in the areas of commercial and business litigation, arbitration and mediation. Mr. Pappas is a Fellow in the International Society of Barristers, the Litigation Counsel of America, and the American College of Civil Trial Mediators. He is a member, arbitrator and mediator of and for the National Academy of Distinguished Neutrals, the International Institute for Conflict Preservation and Resolution, and the American Arbitration Association. He is a Past President and a former member of the Board of Commissioners of the State Bar of Michigan. In 2011, he received the Champion of Justice Award from the State Bar. He currently serves on the State Bar’s 21st Century Practice Task Force. Mr. Pappas received his B.B.A. from the University of Michigan and his J.D. from the University of Michigan Law School.

The Roberts P. Hudson award is presented periodically to commend one or more lawyers for their unselfish rendering of outstanding and unique service to and on behalf of the State Bar of Michigan, the legal profession, and public. The award signifies unusual and extraordinary help and assistance to the Bar and the legal profession, which has been given generously, ungrudgingly, and in a spirit of self-sacrifice. It is awarded to that member of the State Bar of Michigan who best exemplifies that which brings honor, esteem, and respect to the legal profession. The Hudson Award is considered the highest award conferred by the State Bar of Michigan.

The 2015 Roberts P. Hudson Award will be conferred upon Mr. Pappas during the State Bar of Michigan’s Annual Meeting, which will take place on October 7-9, 2015 in Novi, Mich.

About Dickinson Wright PLLC
Dickinson Wright PLLC is a general practice business law firm with more than 400 attorneys among more than 40 practice areas. Headquartered in Detroit and founded in 1878, the firm has fifteen offices, including six in Michigan (Detroit, Troy, Ann Arbor, Lansing, Grand Rapids, and Saginaw) and eight other domestic offices in Columbus, Ohio; Lexington, Ky.; Nashville, Tenn. (2); Las Vegas, Nev.; Phoenix, Ariz.; Reno, Nev.; and Washington, D.C. The firm’s Canada office is located in Toronto.

The firm offers clients a distinctive combination of superb client service and exceptional quality. Dickinson Wright lawyers are known for delivering commercially-oriented advice on sophisticated transactions and have a remarkable record of wins in high-stakes litigation. Dickinson Wright lawyers are regularly cited by Chambers, Best Lawyers, Super Lawyers, and other leading independent law firm evaluating organizations.

LANSING, Mich., August 31, 2015 – Dickinson Wright PLLC, a nationally recognized full-service law firm with offices throughout Michigan and North America, announced today that Gretchen Whitmer, the former Minority Leader in the Michigan Senate, has rejoined the firm where she began her legal career.

“Gretchen brings a unique voice to Dickinson Wright that will help our clients navigate the hurdles that often arise when working with the government,” said Bill Burgess, the firm’s CEO. “Gretchen was known inside the Capitol for her leadership and her ability to deliver results and that’s exactly what she’ll bring to the table for our clients. We’re excited to have her again as part of our firm.”

Whitmer was first elected to the Michigan House of Representatives in 2000 and to the Michigan Senate in 2006. In 2011, she became the first woman to lead a caucus in the Michigan Senate when her colleagues elected her Minority Leader. During her time in office, Whitmer received dozens of awards and was a prominent figure on state and national news programs including appearances on CNN, Fox News and MSNBC. She left office in December 2014, due to term limits.

“Dickinson Wright gave me my start out of law school and I’m honored to again have the opportunity to work with one of the finest firms in the nation,” said Whitmer. “I’ve spent my career fighting to ensure that everyone is given a voice in our legal system and I’m looking forward to continuing that effort with my colleagues at Dickinson Wright.”

Whitmer was previously a litigator at Dickinson Wright prior to her election to the state legislature. She will rejoin the firm’s Lansing, Mich. office starting on September 8.

About Dickinson Wright PLLC
Dickinson Wright PLLC is a general practice business law firm with more than 400 attorneys among more than 40 practice areas. Headquartered in Detroit and founded in 1878, the firm has fifteen offices, including six in Michigan (Detroit, Troy, Ann Arbor, Lansing, Grand Rapids, and Saginaw) and eight other domestic offices in Columbus, Ohio; Lexington, Ky.; Nashville, Tenn. (2); Las Vegas, Nev.; Reno, Nev.; Phoenix, Ariz.; and Washington, D.C. The firm’s Canadian office is located in Toronto.

The firm offers clients a distinctive combination of superb client service and exceptional quality. Dickinson Wright lawyers are known for delivering commercially-oriented advice on sophisticated transactions and have a remarkable record of wins in high-stakes litigation. Dickinson Wright lawyers are regularly cited by Chambers, Best Lawyers, Super Lawyers and other leading independent law firm evaluating organizations.

Livonia, Mich. —Aug. 31, 2015 — Game on! Recruiting and retaining talent is the focus of the new Talent Symposium presented by the American Society of Employers (ASE), one of the nation’s oldest and largest employer associations. The day-long event, created in response to member concerns over a variety of talent-related issues, will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 29 at the MSU Management Education Center in Troy.

“We field ASE member queries every day about a variety of HR issues, and talent acquisition and retention are near the top of the list in terms of frequency,” Mary E. Corrado, ASE CEO, said. “ASE’s Talent Symposium will take a deep dive into the many factors, some of them surprising, that come into play in making one’s organization a sustainable employer of choice through top talent.”

The Talent Symposium will feature keynote speaker Richard Sheridan, CEO of Ann Arbor-based Menlo Innovations and author of Joy, Inc. Known for creating a purpose-driven culture of joy in his own software design company, Sheridan will speak on “Engaging Your People and Growing Your Business.” Other highlights of the event include breakout sessions and panel discussions on the following topics:

• 21st century recruiting tools and strategies
• Building a culture to win
• Sustaining success through succession planning
• Developing alternative talent sources
• Building a learning organization
• Building a leader pipeline
• Building a top-performing recruiting function
• Using coaching to strengthen an organization
• Onboarding for impact and culture
• Creatively overcoming the skill shortage

The event begins at 8:00 a.m. and concludes at 4:00 p.m. For a complete conference agenda and registration information, please visit the ASE website.

About the American Society of Employers (ASE) – a Centennial Organization
The American Society of Employers (ASE) is a not-for-profit trade association providing people-management information and services to Michigan employers. Since 1902, member organizations have relied on ASE to be their single, cost-effective source for information and support, helping to grow their bottom line by enhancing the effectiveness of their people. Learn more about ASE at www.aseonline.org.

Celebrating more than 30 years in the legal profession, Oberholtzer’s practice focuses on patent and trademark counseling, corporate intellectual property policy development and administration, technology licensing, joint development and joint venture relationship agreements. He also has experience in United States Patent and Trademark Office administrative proceedings including interferences, re-examinations, re-issues, trademark oppositions and patent application preparation and prosecution.

Oberholtzer has extensive experience with the intellectual property legal issues of the automotive industry. He has a lifelong interest in the industry and products, and was previously employed as a senior project engineer with a domestic OEM manufacturer and as in-house patent counsel for a Tier 1 supplier. In private practice, Oberholtzer has acted as primary outside counsel for a number of Tier 1 and lower tier supplier engagements that include worldwide responsibility for all intellectual property issues and management of teams of attorneys handling all facets of these matters.

Oberholtzer is the principal author of a primer on intellectual property entitled, The Basic Principles of Intellectual Property Law. He holds a B.S. in mechanical engineering from Kettering University, formerly known as the General Motors Institute, and received his J.D. from the Detroit College of Law at Michigan State University.

About Best Lawyers®
Inclusion in Best Lawyers® is based entirely on peer reviews, using a sophisticated and transparent survey process. The methodology is designed to capture as accurately as possible the consensus opinion of leading lawyers about the professional abilities of their colleagues within the same geographical and legal practice area. More information is at www.BestLawyers.com.

Brinks Gilson & Lione
The attorneys, scientific advisors and patent agents at Brinks Gilson & Lione focus their practice in the field of intellectual property, making Brinks one of the largest intellectual property law firms in the U.S. Clients around the world rely on Brinks to help them protect and enforce their intellectual property rights. Brinks attorneys provide counseling in all aspects of patent, trademark, unfair competition, trade secret and copyright law. More information is available at www.brinksgilson.com.

Detroit Regional Chamber members will have an exclusive opportunity to learn more about Wayne County’s future and hear from County Executive Warren Evans at the Chamber’s upcoming Networking Reception from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 24 at the Detroit Golf Club.

Evans, who took office in January, will address Chamber members for the first time, sharing brief remarks and introducing his key staff. Following Warren’s remarks, attendees will have the opportunity to network with members from companies of all sizes and industries that support good governance for the region.

The reception is part of a quarterly series showcasing the Big Four regional leaders in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties, and the city of Detroit, and is part of the Chamber’s ongoing effort to promote regional collaboration among business and political leaders across the Detroit region. Past speakers include Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel and Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson. Click here to register.

Explore the Future of Connected Car Technology with General Motors’ Harry Lightsey III at the 2015 MICHauto Summit

As automakers race to meet the expectations of ever-changing mobile connected consumer demands, General Motors Co. is leading the way in innovative technology. Drawing on GM’s groundbreaking research and development projects, Harry Lightsey III, executive director of global connected customers and public policy, will deliver a keynote address at the 2015 MICHauto Summit on the impact that policy, technology and customers play on GM’s future strategy and the evolution of the connected vehicle market.

Building off the theme, “The Connected Culture: Shaping Michigan’s Automotive and Mobility Future,” the Summit will focus on Michigan as the center for advanced mobility and its need for a robust talent pipeline driven by a relentless culture of innovation. In addition to Lightsey, announced speakers include Rose Bellanca, president of Washtenaw Community College; Rick Haas, president and chief operating officer for Mahindra’s North American Technical Center; Peter Sweatman, director of the University of Michigan Mobility Transformation Center (MTC); and Gov. Rick Snyder. To view the full Summit agenda and to register, click here.

A new report released this month by the Department of Technology, Management and Budget reveals that Michigan’s unemployment rate fell to the national average of 5.3 percent in July, its lowest point since 2001. This reflects how the state’s landmark 2011 tax reform has been a key catalyst for increasing jobs and investment and making Michigan more globally competitive.

Unfortunately, a petition drive calling for the state Legislature to nearly double the state’s flat corporate income tax — from 6 percent to 11 percent — threatens to undo this progress.

To continue the momentum and sustain Michigan’s economic growth, the Detroit Regional Chamber recently launched a Decline to Sign awareness campaign, which encourages voters to oppose this job-killing petition. Decline to Sign favors a more collaborative road funding plan that adheres to the Chamber’s five principles for transportation funding, which outline the foundation for a comprehensive solution that supports a world-class infrastructure without undercutting key business and economic development. Click here to read more.

Grow Detroit’s Young Talent Video Series Highlights Students’ SuccessA new online video series is sharing the positive story of student achievement in Mayor Mike Duggan’s Grow Detroit’s Young Talent (GDYT) summer employment program announced at the 2014 Mackinac Policy Conference. GDYT, a partnership between the mayor’s office, Detroit Regional Chamber, philanthropic groups and local businesses, promotes the importance of creating employment opportunities and sustainable career pathways for youths in Detroit. Support for GDYT was one of the Chamber’s 2014 Conference To-Do List items.

Click here to watch GDYT student Roderick Hopkins’ story at the Michigan Association of Certified Public Accountants (MICPA).

Detroit, Mich. – August 26, 2015 – Nemeth Law, P.C., a Detroit-based management labor and employment law firm, is pleased to announce partner Susan D. Koval was named to the 2015 class of ‘Women in the Law’ by Michigan Lawyers’ Weekly. The legal trade publication salutes 30 high achieving women attorneys throughout the state who are committed to excellence in the practice of law, serve as an inspiring and accomplished leader in the profession and a mentor to other women, and contribute significant time and effort to volunteerism. An award ceremony to honor the Women in the Law recipients will take place on Thursday, Sept. 10 at the Detroit Marriott in Troy, Mich.

Koval is a management-side employment litigator with more than 30 years of legal experience. After a clerkship with a federal judge in her home state of West Virginia, she moved to Michigan to practice employment law. Koval’s personal and professional development was greatly influenced by her mother Nedra Koval, who was in an orphanage as a baby, dropped out of high school and married young. She ultimately went back to school and obtained a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in fine arts, and received a law degree from the West Virginia University College of Law, where she graduated in the class just ahead of her daughter.

“The Women in the Law award means a great deal to me,” Koval said. “I was strongly influenced by my mother’s tenacity and am deeply committed to woman-to-woman mentoring to facilitate the success and retention of female attorneys, especially in litigation.”

Koval currently serves as co-chair of the Eastern District of Michigan Federal Bar Association’s Labor & Employment Law Committee, has a Martindale-Hubbell AV® Preeminent rating of 5.0/5.0 and regularly appears on the Michigan Super Lawyers list, a rating service of outstanding lawyers who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. She is a presenter and guest lecturer for professional organizations on a variety of employment topics and has published articles on employment law matters, including a recent article about employers’ obligations to transgender employees, which was published nationally by Employment Law360.

Koval participates in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure activities and contributes considerable support to breast cancer research. She previously served as a volunteer mediator for the EEOC mediation program and has also volunteered her time to high school youth groups. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from West Liberty State College in West Virginia and a Juris Doctorate from West Virginia University College of Law. Koval is a resident of Northville.

About Nemeth Law, P.C.
Nemeth Law specializes in arbitration, mediation, workplace investigations, employment litigation, traditional labor law and management consultation/training for private and public sector employers. It is the largest woman-owned law firm in Michigan to exclusively represent management in the prevention, resolution and litigation of labor and employment disputes.

Heinl will speak to Kresge Artist Fellows during the event, which will provide artists in the program legal and financial support. Her discussion will focus on the basics of intellectual property (IP) regarding evolving technology and an overview of legal considerations for artists regarding trademarks, copyrights and licensing.

Heinl holds a Juris Doctor from Wayne State University Law School and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Michigan.

About Brooks Kushman P.C.
Brooks Kushman P.C. is a leading intellectual property (IP) and technology law firm with offices in Michigan and California, and represents clients nationally and internationally with respect to protection, enforcement and monetization of IP, including patents, trademarks, copyrights and trade secrets. The firm has more than 90 intellectual property professionals specializing in various technical disciplines, and has a reputation for providing leading IP counseling with a focus on the business objectives of their clients.

Brooks Kushman counts a number of Fortune 100 companies across a variety of industries among its clients. The firm is also recognized by leading legal publications and rankings, including Corporate Counsel magazine, U.S. News & World Report, Law360, Intellectual Asset Management, Managing Intellectual Property, and Intellectual Property Today. For more information, please visit www.BrooksKushman.com.

SOUTHFIELD, Mich. – Brooks Kushman, intellectual property (IP) and technology law firm, has been named one of the 101 Best & Brightest Companies to Work For™ in Metro Detroit for the second consecutive year.

Best and Brightest Companies to Work For identifies and honors organizations that demonstrate a commitment to excelling in their human resource practices and employee enrichment. Organizations are assessed based on categories such as communication, work-life balance, employee education, diversity, recognition, retention and more.

“We are very pleased to receive the 101 Best and Brightest award for the second consecutive year,” said Mark Cantor, President of Brooks Kushman. “We are constantly working to create an environment where our employees enjoy coming to work. We appreciate everyone’s hard work and dedication over the years, both in the office and in the community.”

The Best and Brightest Companies to Work For uses a two-step process to gather information about each participating company including an employer questionnaire and employee engagement survey. Each year, expectations for the awards are set higher, encouraging companies to improve their practices, making the Metro Detroit region a better place to live and work.

Brooks Kushman employs more than 90 IP professionals handling a full range of IP matters nationally and around the world.

About Brooks Kushman P.C.
Brooks Kushman P.C. is a leading intellectual property (IP) and technology law firm with offices in Michigan and California, and represents clients nationally and internationally with respect to protection, enforcement and monetization of IP, including patents, trademarks, copyrights and trade secrets. The firm has more than 90 intellectual property professionals specializing in various technical disciplines, and has a reputation for providing leading IP counseling with a focus on the business objectives of their clients.

Brooks Kushman counts a number of Fortune 100 companies across a variety of industries among its clients. The firm is also recognized by leading legal publications and rankings, including Corporate Counsel magazine, U.S. News & World Report, Law360, Intellectual Asset Management, Managing Intellectual Property, and Intellectual Property Today. For more information, please visit www.BrooksKushman.com.